Quote of the day
“I think this is an opportunity to consolidate a lot of the different pieces of economic development and workforce development most importantly that have been scattered across state government. This is going to give us the ability to be much more efficient and strategic.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Former Boston trolley driver convicted of staging attack for workers’ comp
A 47-year-old former Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trolley driver, who paid a costumed man $2,000 to attack him two days prior to Halloween in 2016, is now serving a three year state prison sentence imposed Friday following convictions for perjury and stealing workers’ compensation. Boston Globe
Washington: Bidding opens for new workers’ comp contract for Hanford
As Penser North America’s is about to wind up its five-year contract in September, the U.S. Department of Energy has requested bids for a new contract to administer its state workers’ compensation program at the Hanford nuclear reservation site in Washingon. Penser has held the contract since 2009. Its current five-year contract has been valued at about $4.4 million. Tri-City Herald
Michigan reshuffles economic agencies
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order renaming the Department of Talent and Economic Development and abolishing the Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission, an entity former Gov. Rick Snyder created in 2011 after merging the Workers Compensation Appellate Commission and the Employment Security Board of Review. The order creates new, separate commissions to handle appeals of decisions in workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance cases. MITechNews
Alabama: Birmingham bar temporarily closes after suit over workers’ comp insurance
A Birmingham, Alabama craft beer bar temporarily closed last week after facing a lawsuit from the Alabama Department of Labor. Birmingham Business Journal [may require registration]
Flood relief funds announced as part of Ohio BWC budget
Two state representatives last week announced that the Ohio House has approved an additional $11 million in funding to help communities hit by flooding over the last 18 months, part of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation budget. Also in the Ohio BWC budget is a provision that allows peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical workers to receive workers’ compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder, even if the condition is not accompanied by a physical injury. Times Leader (Martins Ferry, Ohio)